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Sept 28 - CASCIANA TERME
We’ll meet you at the Pisa or Firenze airport (your choice) and
transport you to our hotel in nearby You’ll have the rest of
the day to assemble bikes and tandems (plenty of help provided),
explore the near by village, or take a nap. Tonight we’ll enjoy
a get-acquainted dinner followed by an overview of the tour.
Sept 29- VOLTERRA - 35mi, 3000ft altitude gain
Like all of Tuscany, the route is mostly rolling hills, and
today, the biggest hill is saved for the end. The walled city of
Volterra is built on top of the grandest hill in the vicinity,
some 1500 ft above sea level. To get here, we will be riding on
small farming roads past forests and recently harvested fields
of hay, where we may see the occasional red poppy which escaped
the blades of the combine. As we approach from a distance,
Volterra is most impressive, commanding a position which was
easily defended during times of strife. But inside its walls, it
is full of life and most inviting; a visit to one of the
sidewalk cafés for a cool drink is a must - as it will be every
day at ride’s end.
Sept 30 – SASSETTA - 34mi, 1300ft
Swooping
down from the walls of Volterra to the valleys below is just one
of the delightful treats in store today. As we ride toward the
sea through farmlands we’ll see the landscape change from wheat
fields and sunflowers to vineyards and olive groves. Here, we
enter a region renown for its fine wines and delicious olive
oils. To fully appreciate these tasty treasures we’ve arranged
a visit to a specialty olive oil producer, where we’ll lunch on
a medley of local produce and breads flavored with delicate
olive oils from the presses of our hosts, and we’ll have the
opportunity to purchase bottles or huge tins of olive oil.
Don’t worry; the van will be along, so you don’t have to lug
your purchases up the hill to Sassetta. We’ll rendezvous in
Bolgheri, renowned for exquisite wines, and ride together to the
olive mill. After our olive oil feast we slowly pedal up the
hill through Castagneto Carducci toward Sassetta; although a
stop in town for gelato always seems like a fitting treat for
such a fine day. Continuing above town we begin riding along
one of the most beautiful roads for bicycles in all of
Tuscany meandering through cork tree forests and olive groves to
our country villa. Situated amidst a splendid 150 acres of
meadows, orchards, olive groves, and forest, we’ll be treated to
superb hospitality and delicious meals.
Oct 1
- SASSETTA - Loop ride, 26mi, 1650ft, or 40mi, 3000ft, or 41mi,
1600ft
When Andy Hampsten rode as a professional
cyclist, he lived and trained in the coastal hills around
Castagneto. When he retired from racing he bought a farm in
this region and continued to ride all the roads in this area.
Today’s morning ride is along his favorite training route. We
head to Monteverdi then down the Cornia Valley to Suvereto. A
gentle climb brings us to the best part, the winding, cork tree
shaded road back to our hotel. This area is very famous for its
wonderful olive oil, but it is also highly respected as a grape
growing region. Not as well known as Chianti or Brunello, the
Bolgeri D.O.C. produces some of the very
best red wines
in all of Tuscany as well as great rose and white wines.
Oct 2
- MONTIERI – 44mi, 3900ft
Heading out this morning, we retrace yesterday’s route along the
winding cork road to Suvereto. Leaving the coastal area, we
cycle through vineyards and olive tree groves on a small country
road on our journey to Massa Marittima. Climbing up to Massa
we’re able to view this jewel from many sides, finally arriving
in the star-shaped Garibaldi square, dominated by the recently
restored 13th
century Duomo. Numerous sidewalk cafes and gelaterias will
tempt us to consider a light lunch before leaving town for the
final climb to our rifugio in Montieri. Situated high above the
Tuscan valleys surrounding the Poggio di Montieri (1037m), we’ll
settle in to enjoy dinner and a crackling fire in the great room
of the rifugio.
Oct 3
- MONTALCINO - 50mi, 2400ft -or- 56mi, 3400ft
The first half of today’s route is through rugged, forested
hills, while the second half is along vineyard-covered valleys.
The wineries in this area produce some of Italy’s best tasting
wines, but they are not as well known as some of the more famous
wines. The long route takes us along more winding, peaceful
farming roads, to Porrona, a small walled city and monastery,
which has been recently restored to its original beauty. Our
hotel is on the northern edge of town, hanging precariously over
the valley far below; the view from the pool is spectacular. As
one of the best hilltop villages in Tuscany, it will be a
delight to wander the small streets and investigate the many
small shops with friendly proprietors and great values on wine
olive oil, and other locally made items. since the hotel is
without restaurant, dinner will be on your own tonight.
Oct 4
- CORTONA - 45mi, 3000ft -or– 49mi, 4000ft
We’ll cycle through some of Tuscany’s most famous towns; San
Quirco d’Orcia, Pienza, and Montepulciano. While traversing
vineyard covered hillsides, the long route adds a rolling, small
country road, including one of the most photographed scenes in
Tuscany, a twisting cypress tree lined road climbing through
farm land and disappearing in the forests above. Pienza is
truly worth a long visit; built by Pope Pius II in his own
honor, this walled town is a model Renaissance town. The route
is quite scenic with plenty of beautiful views along the way,
but the most impressive view is saved for last. Cortona is one
of the outstanding jewels among Tuscan towns; it sits high above
the valley floating in the clouds, when they are present.
Cobblestone streets climb to the Medici fortress, where the
views are enormous in all directions. Dinner will be on your
own tonight.
Oct 5
- CORTONA - Rest day or Umbrian loop ride
Cortona is a bustling Tuscan village, recently made famous by
Frances Mayes. But there is a good reason this has happened.
Not only are the city and the surrounding hills very beautiful,
but the people, the shops, the street markets, everything is so
full of life. This is best experienced in the evenings when it
seems every one in town is strolling along the main pedestrian
walkway, greeting the shopkeepers and their friends, having a
drink at one of the many bars, before having dinner at one of
the restaurants. After dinner, the younger folks come out and
start their socializing, keeping the center of town busy until
late in the evening.
The Umbria loop ride takes us over a series of
forested hills then above the shores of Lago di Trasimeno,
Italy’s largest lake. The quiet roads and peaceful vistas are
rewarded with a sense of going back in time to a simpler way of
life. We pass beneath an ancient castle while in the distance
we hear the hunters and their hounds scouring the forests for
cingiali (wild boar). Dinner tonight is on your own, so while
walking about town, be sure to make reservations for dinner at
any of several charming restaurants, as the best places fill up
early.
Oct 6
- ANGHIARI - 48mi, 3500ft -or- 44mi, 1500ft
As we leave Cortona we pass the pink villa and gardens of
Francis Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun and other books on
life in the region. After a gentle climb we will enjoy one of
the longer winding descents of the tour. Here we are venturing
into Umbria, and will be enjoying the same scenery and sights as
in Tuscany; majestic medieval towns, beautiful hills and
valleys, and of course just wonderful cycling. Three cities of
note are Monte S. Maria, Monterchi, plus our destination town of
Anghiari.
Oct 7 - REGGELLO - 53mi, 2000ft -or- 60mi, 4800ft
Two completely different rides are available today; one easy,
one hard. The first takes us west over a small pass and descends
to Arrezzo; this is a great shopping town, especially for
jewelry and antiques. With so much to see and do here, you can
easily stay well past lunch. The remainder of the ride is down
the Arno river valley, except for the last 5 miles up to
Reggello. The long route is for those who enjoy a little
climbing. First is the scenic ride up the slopes of Monte Penna
to Caprese Michelangelo, where we can view Renaissance
furniture, books and reproductions of the great artist’s works.
Continuing through the quiet countryside we arrive in Bibbiena
just in time for lunch, then afterward we’ll climb the Passo di
Consuma. From here it is all downhill to Reggello on lovely
winding roads through wooded hills.
Oct 8 - SAN LEONINO (SIENA) - 35mi, 2800ft -or–
52mi, 4000ft
Chianti is a geographical, as well as oenological name - both
describing something splendid! The wine produced in this region
is certainly the most notable in Italy, and the hills and
vineyards are feasts for the eyes; it is best to savor these
pleasures slowly, enjoying every last taste. Our first sip of
Chianti will be in Badia a Coltibuono, an 8th century abbey,
which is currently occupied by a winery and restaurant; we might
sneak back to Castellina for another mouthwatering taste
Oct 9 - SAN LEONINO (SIENA) - 0 - 16 mi, bike,
bus, taxi, or van to Siena
There is no riding planned for today, other than the 8 miles to
and from Siena. Next to Florence, Siena is the most famous city
in Tuscany, but is considered the most beautiful of all in
Tuscany. The architecture demands scrutiny, with palaces,
churches and towers dominating the skyline, and the cathedral is
certainly one of the most delightful, decorative ornaments in
Christendom. History oozes from every nook and cranny; life here
is special, and always has been. The narrow streets are filled
with people strolling from shop to shop, stopping for a quick
cappuccino, and talking animatedly with friends along the way.
There is so much to see and do here that one day is not enough.
If you do nothing else, you will find the Campo, the central
plaza, perhaps the most impressive plaza in the world. This is
truly the heart of the city, the center of life in Siena. Enjoy!
Oct 10 – SAN LEONINO - 51mi, 4000ft, or 45mi,
3000ft
We have two options for the ride today in this beautiful Chianti
region. The first is to the hill top city of San Gimignano, one
of Tuscany’s most striking, with its 16 remaining towers and its
wonderful open walkways and plazas. There are great shops and
plenty of very good restaurants for lunch. Along the way be
sure to visit Monteriggioni, an ancient walled city, and Colle
di Val d’Elsa, another of the many enchanting hill top villages
in Tuscany. The second option is a ride through the Chianti
wine growing region, an area containing some of the world’s most
beautiful vineyards. Our route follows the ridge from
Castiellina back though Radda to Badia a Coltibuono. A long
descent takes us to the rolling hills near Siena before climbing
back to San Leonino
Oct 11 – CASCIANA TERME - 49mi, 3000ft - or -
53mi, 3000ft
We have two options for the ride today, back to our beginning
hotel. The first is to the hill top city of San Gimignano, one
of Tuscany’s most striking, with its 16 remaining towers and its
wonderful open walkways and plazas. There are great shops and
plenty of very good restaurants for lunch. The second option is
a spectacular ridge run over the beautiful vineyard covered
hills of the Chianti region. This is a day to enjoy the scenery
and take a nice picnic lunch of bread, cheese, tomato, and
sausage, and perhaps even a small bottle of wine. The small
hilltop villages along the way offer us all a glimpse of the
past, and a profound taste of history that we don’t often
experience in the USA. Farewell dinner tonight is at our hotel.
Oct 12
- Van
transport is provided to Pisa or Firenze airport.
COST:
$3595.00 per person, Double Occupancy.
$550.00 Single Supplement
INCLUDES
·3-4 star Hotel Accommodations Full breakfast daily (except arrival day)
·All dinners but 3
·Airport transfers from and to Pisa or Firenze airport,
·Bike mechanic and van support with cellular phone,
·Ground transportation for all passengers, luggage & bikes,
·Regional map plus detailed daily route maps & cue sheets.
NOT INCLUDED
·International airfare
·Tips, gratuities, laundry, telephone, & personal items
·Lunches and alcoholic beverages other than wine with dinner
PRE-TRIP PLANNING
A complete trip packet will be sent upon receipt of your final payment, including tour t-shirt, hotel lists, maps, and luggage tags. Our guidebook containing
information on what to bring, how to pack your bike for flying, equipment list, and changing currencies, will be sent upon receipt of your secondary deposit (due by March 1). All participants must possess a current passport.
TRAVEL
INSURANCE Erickson Cycle Tours strongly recommends purchasing insurance for trip cancellation, injury, illness, and loss of effects. A traveler's insurance brochure will be included in your confirmation letter.
AIRFARE
We offer the services of our
travel agent, Shannon or Steve of Rogue Travel, in obtaining
economical, expedient air reservations, and we can assist with
lodging for pre- and post-tour plans. For flight information,
contact Rogue Travel at 1.800.443.9216, or
shannon@mind.net. If you
prefer you may use the services of your own travel agent. |
